Doctors give trusted, helpful answers on causes, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and more. Dry and itching skin is a common problem among adults, especially with age. The other cause can be hyperpigmentation skin which occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin. This condition is characterized by the appearance of dry, scaly white patches on ones face.
Discoloration on the body can also range from surfacelevel scarring to deeperinthe skin sun spots which are best served with lasers like fraxel that can target pigment deep below the surface. Whether you have light or dark discolored skin patches, wear a broad spectrum spf 30 sunscreen on all sunexposed skin daily to protect against both uva and uvb rays. A visual guide to 6 conditions that cause skin discoloration. Vitiligo is a longterm condition where pale white patches develop on the skin. Nov 06, 2015 4 types of skin discoloration and how to stop them as aggravating as hyperpigmentation can be, understanding why its happening and how you can stop it yes, it can be done is rule numberone. The skin may remain discolored even after a few months of the elimination of this allergic reaction. I suggest you to get it examined from a dermatologist. Get rid of age spots from the face skin discoloration now. These discolored patches or spots on skin can be relieved through medications. The main symptom of acanthosis nigricans is patches of skin that are darker and thicker than usual. Other immune system diseases associated with vitiligo include diabetes, pernicious anemia, thyroid disease, and addisons disease.
This is a fungal skin infection that can cause patches of skin to become lighter or darker. Vitiligo causes smooth, white skin patches, usually around the mouth and eyes, or on the back of. Using a moisturizer as soon as you get out of the shower while your skin is still damp will lock in the moisture and prevent your skin from drying out. These white skin patches are more visible during summer because of tanning in the surrounding skin. Birthmarks can vary in size and color, and can appear anywhere on the skin. Skin pigmentation disorders definition of skin pigmentation. Patches of discolored skin have many possible causes, including birthmarks. Known as hyperpigmentation, dark splotches of skin often appear near irritated or wounded skin.
Specific signs and symptoms of the infection include. Jul 27, 2017 certain types of skin discoloration can be a symptom of skin cancer or other medical problems. Apply this mixture to the affected parts of your skin with yellow spots. Normally, the color of hair and skin is determined by melanin. Its also called pityriasis versicolor and is caused by a type of yeast that naturally lives on your skin. This common skin discoloration affects children and adolescents. More common in pregnant women chloasma and individuals with darker skin color and heavy sun exposure. Use sunscreen to prevent new discolored skin patches first things first.
White spots or patches on the skin have the following signs and symptoms that. Mar 14, 2019 white spots or patches on the skin surface are medically known as hypopigmentation. When the skin is exposed to the ultra violet uv rays of the sun, it. White spots on skin, patches, pictures, small, sun, fungus. The antioxidant vitamin c is a skin brightener which is often used to give the face an extra bit of glow. Generally, white spots, dots or marks on the skin can appear when the affected area of the skin loses its normal pigment. White patches on skin pictures, fungus, treat, get rid of dry. While skin discoloration is common, not all spots are harmless. Age spots are brown patches that appear on sunexposed parts of the body face, hands, and forearms. Dec 07, 2017 if you suddenly see dark patches under your arms and on other areas of your skin, see your dermatologist or primary care doctor right away. Apr, 2020 whether you call it skin discoloration, hyperpigmentation or dark spots, having an uneven complexion is a common skin care concern for many people. These are light browntodark brown flat spots with smooth or irregular borders. Description people of all races have skin pigmentation disorders. These spots usually cause no symptoms, are millimeters mm in size, and tend to appear first on the legs before progressing to the.
Skin discoloration is a common skin problem, and this can come in the form of white spots, dark spots or other changes in skin color. Jan 15, 2009 certain skin pigmentation disorders are more common in certain skin types. A 52yearold man went to a new family physician fp with a 4year history of rash and a 1year history of changes in skin color. Tinea can look like a small red birthmark or discoloration almost like a stain on your skin. Vitiligo is a condition in which white patches develop on the skin. Mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with 2 teaspoons of raw honey. When they appear on the arm, the discoloration may be due to an allergic reaction, a chronic skin disorder or an infection. For example, bruises and varicose veins can appear blue in color. In most occasions, the turning of your skin into yellow color might be symptoms of more serious underlying health problem that needs medical attention.
It also helps to fade discoloration and hyperpigmentation. Apr 15, 2016 discolored patches on the skin are a common occurrence that most people will experience at some point in their lives. Mottled skin turns purple and dark brown over a period of time. However, ignoring changes in skin color isnt the solution. Many people notice irregularities in skin tone, especially in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the skin on your legs. Many americans a million each year will develop a skin cancer by age 65. If the mottling of the skin is resulting from a specific condition, then once that condition is resolved, the mottling will also disappear.
Conditions that can lead to white spots on the skin. It can also suggest that theres something wrong with the lungs, heart, or circulatory system. In most instances, these patches of discoloration appear on the face, but can occasionally show up on the neck or arms. Mottled skin often appears as red patches on the arms, trunk and legs. Sunspots are white spots where skin pigment has been lost. At first i thought they were like the dry patches i sometimes get on my face and arms during weather changes.
Theyre sometimes red and inflamed, or theres brownish discolouration. Cyanosis is a bluish tint that your skin can develop if your body isnt getting enough oxygen. Patches of skin discoloration, usually on the back, chest, neck and upper arms, which may appear lighter or darker than usual. May 17, 2019 what causes skin discoloration on legs. Discolored patches on the skin are a common occurrence that most people will experience at some point in their lives. It is common for the loss of pigmentation to occur in folds of the skin such as the underarms.
Here are the causes of white spots on skin, splotches, bumps, dots and light patches as well as treatments to get rid of the discoloration. The white patches of vitiligo tend to affect armpits on both sides of the body. Skin discoloration can occur alongside other symptoms like itching, pain, and. Its imperative to use sun protection every day if youre trying to get rid of skin discoloration. Skin discoloration can occur alongside other symptoms like. Melasma, sometimes also called chloasma, is a skin pigment discoloration condition where tan or brown patches appear on the body, typically on the face.
Common pigmentation disorders american family physician. I have had them for a long time now and unlike the other dry patches that come and go and usually get better when i use a tea tree oil soap these patches are permanent and slowly growing, almost double in size. This skin discoloration issue occurs due to hormonal changes, excess sweating, hot weather, oily skin and weakened immune system. Repeat this procedure three times in a day for few weeks until yellow.
Try choosing a moisturizer that does not contain any alcohol. The most commonly used system for identifying skin types is the fitzpatrick system table 2. The condition can affect the skin on any part of the body. Allow it to stay on your skin for about 20 minutes before rinsing it off. White patches under your arms could be caused by vitiligo. Know the causes, symptoms, treatment of mottled skin. Birthmarks varying shapes and discoloration if the bluish skin discoloration is on other open body parts other than near the mucus membranes of the body, it may just be a harmless birthmark. Skin darkening during pregnancy melasma or chloasma. Cyanosis is a bluishgray tint to the skin caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. Skin discoloration is probably one of the top reasons why an individual can look much older than his or her real age. Acanthosis nigricans is the name for dry, dark patches of skin that usually appear in the armpits, neck or groin. Patches of discolored skin are noticeable because they differ from a persons normal skin tone. Definition skin pigmentation disorders are conditions that cause the skin to appear lighter or darker than normal, or blotchy and discolored. Call your provider if you have changes in skin pigmentation as well as pain, tenderness, redness, or bleeding, or if you notice any changes in the color, shape, or size of a mole.
It could be a sign of an underlying condition, so it needs to be checked by a gp. It is important that people with this symptom understand the cause of their discolored skin patches in case treatment is necessary. Rash and skin discoloration mdedge family medicine. They may be lighter, darker, or a different color, such as red, gray, or blue. Alcohol and skin problems around 5% of adults in the us drink heavily1 and although the dangers that alcohol abuse poses to your liver, heart and other organs are widely publicized, you may not appreciate the impact that heavy drinking has on your skin. In some people, the white patches start as dry itchy spots on face, back, arms and legs. It can also affect hair and the inside of the mouth. Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungal infection and leads to patches of discolored skin with a fine, dry, scaly surface. This condition can also be described as skin discoloration. It can affect men and women of all ages, and can sometimes be an indicator of other health complications. Freckles, age spots, and other darkened skin patches can become darker or. Hyperpigmentation american osteopathic college of dermatology.
Since oxygenpoor blood is bluishred in color, any situation or condition that deprives the airways or blood or vital oxygen can cause this skin discoloration, and impact either localized areas or the entire body. Here are ten possible causes of skin discoloration. Vitiligo is a condition where the bodys immune system attacks pigment cells melanocytes, causing pigment loss. Jan 22, 2016 white patches on skin are caused by vitiligo, skin fungus, loss of pigment, sun exposure or tanning etc. But these spots are actually a kind of fungal infection, including ringworm and athletes foot.
Patches that may be white, pink, red, or brown and can be lighter or darker than the skin around them. The skin is one of the most resistant organs in the body, but it still succumbs to irritants and infections that can cause red skin blotches. This could be a sign of more serious condition, like cancer. Jan 30, 2018 the skin discoloration into yellow patches is a common condition that can occur to anybody. Nov 21, 2018 white spots can appear on the skin when protein and dead cells become trapped under the surface, or when there is a loss of pigmentation. A visual guide to 6 conditions that cause skin discoloration nih. Mar 07, 2018 skin which has netlike or lacy patches is known as mottled skin. This could be an indication of either harmless or more serious health condition. Skin discoloration occurs in many forms and can affect our health. Many conditions can cause your skin to have a bluish tint. The spots often start as slightly red, scaly patches on the face, upper arms, neck, and upper middle section of the body. Melasma common skin condition that causes dark patches to appear on the face and, rarely, the neck, chest, or arms. Tinea versicolor tends to affect the trunk, neck, and upper arms.
Yellow spots on skin, arms, legs, face, lips, hands, pictures. Apr 10, 2020 vitiligo vitihliego is a disease that causes loss of skin color in patches. Shorts, capris, and skirts are all popular choices for staying cool in the summer months, but skin discoloration on legs can make you selfconscious. Certain skin infections may also cause discoloration, such as. Any location on the body can be affected, and most people with vitiligo have white patches on many areas.
Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection of the skin. For example, skin diseases such as acne may leave dark spots after the. The loss of oil glands which help to keep the skin soft is the main cause of dry skin. Many people with this condition simply coverup and go on with their daily routine. Tinea versicolor causes the affected skin to change color and become either lighter or darker than surrounding skin. Exfoliation exfoliation is a key part of any skin care routines, as it gets rid of old skin cells which can make the. With varying causes such as sun exposure, skin trauma or genetics just to name a few, it can be challenging to figure out how to get rid of these dark spots. Some disorders, like albinism which affects one out of every 17,000 people are rare. Pityriasis alba is a common skin disorder that causes areas of lightcolored skin. Poor circulation or inadequate oxygen levels in your blood stream can. Discolored patches on the skin are a common occurrence that most. This birthmark is usually just a small mark on the face, trunk, or extremities arms and legs. Vitamin c can be found in serums, moisturizers and cleansers.
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